ON THE GROUND: Fostering Tourism for Development

• All Regions
• 20 Dec 24
• N PAG. 36

I am very happy to announce the beginning of a new chapter, showcasing our transition from Technical Cooperation and Silk Road (TCSR) Department to the new International Development and Cooperation (IDC) Department. This transition from our previous identity transcends the terminology; it indicates a methodical spin aimed at addressing the complex challenges inherent within our tourism sector.

This transformation has emerged from a key acknowledgment that cross-regional cooperation and inventive solutions are increasingly deemed not as optional enhancements but as indispensable instruments necessary for fostering sustainable tourism development. Our rebranding properly encapsulates this expansive ambition, a goal we have diligently pursued over the past year. Extensive dialogues with Member States, partners and colleagues have revealed the necessity to extend our focus, intensify our efforts, and adopt increased versatility in confronting the adversities we encounter.

Before the launching of this new naming, our operational focus has widened throughout the past year, yielding promising results. Noteworthy milestones include the successful ceremony of the 1st and 2nd edition of the Qatar Tourism Awards last year and October of this year, which celebrate pioneering actions within the sector, alongside our enterprising scoping mission in Botswana, where we identified new dynamic tourism areas. These undertakings underscore the concrete influence we are exerting within various contexts.

In the context of China, our alliances with critical stakeholders have experienced significant augmentation. The collaboration with the Ministry of Culture and Tourism has facilitated the advancement of specialized assistance initiatives, with discussions surrounding novel educational, innovative, and investment ventures displaying considerable promise. Concurrently, our contributions in Uzbekistan regarding the diversification strategy for tourism are catalyzing new prospects for regional advancement.

From a communication angle, we consistently uphold our #UNTourismOnTheGround slogan, carefully highlighting our tangible outcomes. A significant accomplishment has been our recent discussions with the Dominican Republic, which will materialize soon in the initial formulation of a sustainable tourism strategy and policy. Additionally, in the Republic of Moldova, the empowerment of women within the tourism sector has been a fulfilling experience—essential for the cultivation of robust, inclusive communities. Such cases, alongside many others, clearly illustrate the practical significance of our activities and the positive ramifications we are engendering across different regions.

As we advance further, I am happy to disclose several new and strategic initiatives. Foremost, we are amplifying our commitment to enhancing the safety of destinations. A detailed White Paper addressing tourism and safety has already been disseminated, with forthcoming plans to engage in surveys, webinars and workshops aimed at assessing and strengthening safety protocols on a global scale.

Moreover, we are intensifying efforts within the realm of Halal Tourism. The growing significance of this segment spans beyond Muslim-majority nations, extending its reach worldwide. We are establishing the foundational elements for standardized metrics and certifications, with the conviction that this will cultivate a more inclusive and competitive tourism landscape.

We have finalized a substantial project in Ecuador centred on adventure tourism. Our collaboration with the Ministry of Tourism facilitated the revision of existing regulatory frameworks to promote sustainable, high-caliber tourism experiences. The spectrum of activities—ranging from mountaineering to diving— positions Ecuador as an emerging hotspot for adventure enthusiasts, an evolution I eagerly anticipate.

Finally, as climate change remains a pressing reality, our department is proactively addressing the urgent challenge of heat resilience. Destinations must evolve to meet this emergency, and we are resolutely devoted to providing support through strategic tourism frameworks, crisis communication efforts, and capacity-building initiatives. It is evident that sustainability will prevail as a paramount concern as we strive to adapt and thrive in the face of evolving environmental challenges. Fundamental to our ongoing efforts from now on remains the essence encapsulated within these initiatives.

These undertakings represent merely the inception of a broader continuum. Witnessing these initiatives come to fruition represents one of the most fulfilling dimensions of our collective efforts and professional involvement. As we persist in our trajectory of growth and enhancement of our operational framework, it is imperative that I extend my gratitude to everyone—including our expert team, colleagues and stakeholders. The collective investment of your dedication and cooperative spirit renders these projects feasible, and in unison, we shall attempt to forge a substantive and enduring influence upon the sphere of global tourism.

The prospective landscape of tourism appears increasingly bright, and I eagerly anticipate engaging with all parties involved in the formulation of sustainable, inclusive, and robust tourism ecosystems that are beneficial to all stakeholders involved.

Jaime I. MAYAKI

Category tags

Download